As most expect the LA Clippers to not be aggressive at the trade deadline, the front office could shock the NBA community by acquiring talents that fix the team’s flaws. They will likely make the most of what they have and land an instrumental package for head coach Tyronn Lue.
With speculation around the deadline increasing, Shams Charania, a senior insider for ESPN, revealed the Sacramento Kings were open to offers around their franchise point guard, De’Aaron Fox.
JUST IN: The Sacramento Kings are expected to open up talks to potentially deal All-Star De'Aaron Fox ahead of Feb. 6 trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. There will be plenty of suitors, but it's believed that Fox has a target destination in mind ahead of 2026 free agency. pic.twitter.com/Oh3fXgZjm3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2025
This is news for the Clippers, as the front office may evaluate their routes into landing the one-time all-star.
Moreover, if the Kings trade their star point guard, they would likely lean toward a rebuild. This means their front office will move their veterans as soon as possible and begin a new era in Sacramento.
Through a potential rebuild, the Kings may have guard Malik Monk on the trade block for a fair price. This is the ideal acquisition for the Clippers, as they lack a prominent contributor off the bench.
Malik Monk would be the best possible trade outcome for the LA Clippers.
As Malik Monk finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, he would work phenomenally with Tyronn Lue and the LA Clippers. He brings a youthful burst on all three levels the offense needs, especially when franchise stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are off the floor.
Through 38 games, Monk is posting all-star numbers with 17.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds on a field goal percentage of 44.8.
Furthermore, the Kings utilize Monk as the main scorer when offensive threats like De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan are off the court. Additionally, the former Kentucky Wildcat is one of the most clutch players in basketball, adding to the numerous ways he will be able to help Lue’s game plan.
Nonetheless, the Kings’ proposal would consist of Monk and power forward Trey Lyles. These two veterans add an extreme amount of depth to the Clippers’ vacant bench.
Conversely, Lawrence Frank must include players like Derrick Jones Jr., Bones Hyland, and P.J. Tucker.
Although the Clippers may not want to trade Jones Jr., it would be a business-minded choice as Monk elevates Lue’s scheme to a higher capacity.
That said, the news around Fox may attract the headlines, leading opposing teams to make offers. The Clippers should choose a different path and trade for Sacramento’s premiere bench scorer.